Over the past decade, life in Port-au-Prince has changed dramatically. Cultural centers, community spaces and libraries that once welcomed many young people have been destroyed or are become inaccessible due to the security crisis in the country. Yet, amid these challenges, some spaces continue to thrive, offering young Haitians opportunities to learn, connect and shape their future.

Among them are the debate clubs of FOKAL’s Program Initiative Jeunes (PIJ). With more than 600 young people participating in eleven clubs across the country, the program uses competitive debate to strengthen critical thinking, encourage respectful dialog and promote peaceful conflict resolution.

For Berlensky Leger, a former participant in Port-au-Prince, the experience made a lasting difference. He shares: “The skills acquired in these clubs made me a better student, teacher, and today a better professional.”

But the mipact of the program extends far beyond individual achievement. Alongside two fellowclubmembers, Berlensky founded the Youth Empowerment Organization, which organizessummer camps for young people under 18 across the country. Through these camps, participants explore human rights and develop the skills needed to take action in their communities.

Berlensky Leger’s journey illustrates how investing in young people can create a lasting ripple effect: a participant becomes a community leader, sharing the knowledge and skills acquiredthrough the program with a new generation.

This commitment to critical thinking and civic engagement was on full display on October 17, when Collège des Oliviers in Delmas 75 hosted the Western Regional Debate Tournament,organized by FOKAL’s Programme Initiative Jeunes in partnership with BAL and RNDDH.

Six debate clubs from the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area came together to compete in the Karl Popper debate format. Many participants came from working-class neighborhoods, bringing their perspectives to discussions on artificial intelligence, critical thinking, democracy, and civic engagement.

After a series of rigorous debates, the Santo club emerged as champion, defeating Bibliothèque Monique Calixte in the final.

The tournament also recognized outstanding individual performances:

Organized as part of the Joint Leadership Youth Initiative (JOLYI) project, the tournament was about more than winning. It provided a space where young people could challenge ideas, listen to different perspectives, practice constructive disagreement, and strengthen their commitment to human rights and democratic participation.

Thanks to your continued commitment alongside FOKAL and its partners, we keep providing Haitian youth with the tools to build a better future.